The .260 Remington, often referred to as the .260 Rem, was introduced by Remington Arms in 1997 as a response to the growing interest in mid-caliber cartridges among competitive shooters and hunters. Based on the .308 Winchester case necked down to accept 6.5mm (.264 caliber) bullets, the .260 Rem sought to blend the efficient case design of the .308 with the high ballistic coefficient and sectional density advantages of 6.5mm projectiles. Although the 6.5mm caliber had a strong following in Europe for decades, particularly with cartridges like the 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, the .260 Rem provided American shooters with an accessible, modern 6.5mm option that could be chambered in popular short-action rifles.
In terms of application, the .260 Remington quickly gained a reputation for its versatility. Its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and excellent accuracy make it a favorite among long-range precision rifle competitors, including those in disciplines like PRS (Precision Rifle Series) and F-Class. Hunters also appreciate the .260 Rem for its capabilities on medium-sized game, as it delivers sufficient energy and penetration for deer, antelope, and similar animals out to extended ranges. Additionally, the cartridge is known for producing manageable barrel wear compared to some hotter 6.5mm cartridges, which is especially attractive to those who shoot high round counts.
Target species for the .260 Rem include a range of medium game widely hunted across North America and Europe. The cartridge excels on white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and even smaller feral hogs. Its exceptional long-range accuracy and mild recoil profile make it suitable for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters, while its flat trajectory extends its effective range for ethical, one-shot kills. Some shooters also use the .260 Rem for predator control, targeting coyotes and other varmints where the high ballistic coefficient bullets offer resistance to wind drift and precise shot placement.
A key characteristic of the .260 Rem is its ability to utilize the excellent variety of 6.5mm bullets available on the market. Typical bullet weights range from 120 to 140 grains, although heavier options up to 147 grains and lighter options down to 95 grains can be used depending on the specific task. The 140 grain projectiles, with their high ballistic coefficients, are particularly popular for long-range target shooting and hunting applications due to their retained energy and resistance to wind. The .260 Rem offers a balance between velocity and recoil, pushing a 140 grain bullet at moderate velocities that maximize barrel life while maintaining impressive downrange performance. The caliber’s relatively short case ensures reliable feeding from many short-action rifles, making it a favorite among custom rifle builders and reloaders seeking efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility at the loading bench.
Suitable Powders
Bullet Weight (gr) -> | 0-50 | 50-75 | 75-100 | 100-150 | 150-200 | 200-300 | >300 |
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👍 ... suitable powder
👍👍 ... suitable AND popular powder among our reloading community (clasification might evolve as more community members share their loads )
.260 Rem. load data is available with the following bullets:
(most popular first)